Celebrating Australian New Music
Performers & presenters at the 2008 Classical Music Awards

A diverse and exciting program of performances will accompany the announcement of the winners of the 2008 CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARDS presented by APRA and the Australian Music Centre.

The event - hosted by Australia's favourite "Mother of Ceremonies" Julia Lester, presenter of Classic Drive on ABC Classic FM - will feature performances by Mark Isaacs, The Song Company, Windstrokes and Judy Bailey's Jazz Connection.

In addition, the list of 2008 Finalists has been updated. Click here[link to 2008 finalists page] to view a complete, up-to-date listing of the 2008 Classical Music Awards finalists.

MARK ISAACS has achieved international recognition as a pianist and composer in both jazz and classical music. The LA Times declared him "an artist capable of matching the rich elements of classical composition with the flowing rhythms of jazz”. Two works from his acclaimed ABC Jazz album Resurgence have been nominated in the Instrumental Work of the Year . As a classical concert hall composer, Mark has composed around 80 major works ranging across orchestral, chamber, choral and solo pieces (most recently for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Saffire, Sydney Philharmonia Choir and Tankstream Quartet). At the 2008 Classical Music Awards Mark will be improvising live on solo piano; a moment of magical intimacy.

THE SONG COMPANYis without doubt one of the most interesting and outstanding vocal ensembles in the world. Their incredible dedication to new music is acknowledged this year in four categories of awards: Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation, Outstanding Contribution to Australian Music in Education, Best Performance of an Australian Composition, and The Song Company's performance of the cantata “The Last Whale” in 2007 has lead to a Best Composition by an Australian Composer for Colin Bright. At the Awards The Song Company will put a 2008 stamp on two songs etched deep into the Australian psyche when it performs new arrangements of “ Botany Bay ” and “ Waltzing Matilda” .

WA's Tura New Musicis a finalist in the Outstanding Contribution by and Organisation category. A highlight of the 2007 Tura New Music Festival was a performance by an all-star line up, collectively known as WINDSTROKES; featuring percussionist Claire Edwardes, composer/cellist Iain Grandage, cellist/singer/songwriter, Melanie Robinson and didgeridoo virtuoso William Barton. This unique collaboration presents a fresh interpretation of Australian repertoire as well as works composed by the members of the group, providing a rich tapestry of musical experience. At the Awards Windstrokes will perform Peter Sculthorpe's “ Djilile” and “Corrugation” , by Iain Grandage.

The final performance will be by JAZZ CONNECTION.  The group is part of the Sydney Youth Jazz Ensemble Association, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the provision of high quality education and training in jazz for youth, under the musical direction of Judy Bailey. These young jazz musicians range in age from 15 to 22 and are drawn from throughout the Sydney region, most attending the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. They will perform two original works, including “Child's play”, an excellent example of Judy's skill at combining elements both of the classical and jazz genres into one work.

Presenters at the 2008 Classical Music Awards include CEO of Sydney Opera House, Richard Evans, Prof. Emeritus Roger Covell, Kathy Keele and James Strong of the Australia Council, distinguished composer Barry Conyngham, President of SIMA Peter Rechniewski as well as music entrepreneur and winner of the 2007 Distinguished Services to Australian Music award, Belinda Webster.